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This article describes how to create and use a password reset disk for a computer that is not a member of a domain in Microsoft Windows XP. If you experience problems, troubleshooting steps are provided at the end of this article.

This article describes how to create and use a password
reset disk for a computer that is part of a workgroup, or that is not connected
to a network. You can use a password reset disk to gain access to your Windows
XP-based computer if you forget your password.

For additional
information about how to create a password reset disk for a computer that is a
member of a domain, click the following article number to view the article in
the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

In the Current user account password box,
type your password, and then click Next.

Note If your user account does not have a password, do not type a
password in the Current user account password
box.

The Forgotten Password Wizard creates the disk.

When the Progress bar reaches 100%
complete, click Next, and then click
Finish.

Remove and then label the password reset disk. Store the
disk in a safe place.

How to log on to the computer by using a password reset disk

If you forget your password, you can log on to the computer by
using a new password that you create by using the Password Reset Wizard and
your password reset disk. To do this, follow these steps:

On the Windows XP logon screen, click the user name that
you want to use. The Type your password box appears. Press
ENTER or click the right-arrow button. You receive the following error
message:

Did you forget your password? You can click
the "?" button to see your password hint. Or you can use your password
reset disk.

Please type your password again. Be sure to use the
correct uppercase and lowercase letters.

Click use your password reset disk. The
Password Reset Wizard starts. The Password Reset Wizard permits you to create a
new password for your user account.

Click Next.

Insert the password reset disk into drive A, and then click
Next.

Type a new password in the Type a new
password box.

Type the same password in the Type the password
again to confirm box.

In the Type a new password hint box, type
a hint to remind you of your password if you forget the new password.

Note This hint is visible to anyone who tries to log on to the
computer by using your user account.

Click Next, and then click
Finish. The Password Reset Wizard quits, and you return to the
Windows XP logon screen.

Note The password reset disk is automatically updated with the new
password information. You do not have to create a new password reset
disk.

Type your new password in the Type your
password box, and then click the right-arrow button to log on to the
computer.

Troubleshooting

The password reset disk cannot be used to reset the
password on another computer.

The password reset disk that you create
can only be used with the computer it was created on. For example, if you have
two Windows XP-based computers that have the same user names and passwords, a
password reset disk that you create on the first computer cannot be used to
reset the password on the second computer.

The password reset disk contains sensitive
information.

Other users may be able to use the password reset disk
to gain access to your computer. For this reason, store this disk in a safe and
secure location.